Papa Doug and Geniya Manchester to Serve as Presenting Sponsor and U-T San Diego as Media Sponsor

San Diego, CA – Patrons of the Prado’s Masterpiece Gala, in celebration of Balboa Park’s 100-year anniversary of the Panama-California International Exposition will take place on Saturday, July 18, 2015, at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. This will be the organization’s largest fundraiser to date, with an ambitious goal to raise significant financial support for the programs and initiatives of the 11 museums, arts and cultural institutions along The Prado of Balboa Park. To kick off the event, Patrons of the Prado (www.patronsoftheprado.org) has announced that Papa Doug and Geniya Manchester have accepted the invitation to serve as presenting sponsor and U-T San Diego as media sponsor.

The event honors San Diego Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer.

“Balboa Park is the pride of our world-class city, so it’s only fitting that we come together to support the world-class art and cultural institutions that reside within it,” Mayor Faulconer said. “This is yet another way San Diegans are uniting this year to celebrate and elevate Balboa Park for its centennial celebration.”

Arlene and Richard Esgate, and Jack McGrory will serve as gala chairs and early major sponsors. Other event sponsors include Malin Burnham; Bill Roper; Valerie and Harry Cooper; Kurt and Andrea Culver, EsGil Corp.; Catherine and Phil Blair; and Linda and Mel Katz.

“Our board enthusiastically welcomes the news of Papa Doug, Geniya and U-T San Diego’s generous commitment of $200,000 for the 2015 Masterpiece Gala,” said Arlene Esgate. “We are honored to have them play a pivotal role for our 100-year anniversary celebration of the city’s beloved Balboa Park.”

Patrons of the Prado is dedicated to raising funds that benefit designated arts organizations and museums at Balboa Park’s Prado, enabling these valuable nonprofit cultural organizations to fulfill their specific missions.

“Geniya and I are truly honored to participate in this wonderful celebration,” said Papa Doug